Shirley Ann Jones

Mrs. Shirley Ann Jones, age 97, of Black River, NY passed away September 26, 2025, at Samaritan Keep Home, Watertown, NY. She was born February 14, 1928, in Rome, NY, a daughter of the late Walter and Clara Groff of Lee Center, NY.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Sanford (Spike) Jones; daughter Karen Mae Snyder; and two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Groff, and Lois Rauscher.

Shirley graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1945 and later attended Plattsburg State Teachers College. She was a homemaker and was a noon monitor at Black River Elementary School during the late 1960’s.

She was an active member of Black River United Methodist Church. She served as church treasurer, Sunday school teacher and hosted Bible study for the ladies of the church. Shirley was longtime member of the Bethany Chapter 343 Order of the Eastern Star, of which she was marshal and was chairwoman of ‘Esther’.

 Shirley’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family and fostering a loving environment. Her homemade pies were legendary in the neighborhood and with her family.  She enjoyed cooking a nutritious meal, knitting countless baby blankets, sweaters and hats for each new great grandchild and mittens for children attending Black River Elementary.

Shirley is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Sanford Walter Jones (Jane) of Brownville, NY; two daughters and three son-in-law’s, Brenda Kay Davis (Dennis) of Evans Mills, NY, Claudia Faye Whitmire (Larry) of Antwerp, NY and John Snyder of Rutland, NY; 13 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren; She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

Calling Hours is from 1 to 3 PM on October 3, 2025, at the Bruce Funeral Home, 131 Maple Street, Black River, NY. Funeral service will be held at 3 PM on October 3.2025 at the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River, NY., with Pastor Ben Mackey officiating. Burial will follow at the Black River Cemetery in Black River, NY

Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Black River Ambulance Squad.

Online condolences may be left at www.brucefh.com

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